Device, Kit And Method For Closure Of A Body Lumen Puncture

ABSTRACT

A medical device and method for closure of a puncture in a body lumen are disclosed. The device has an aggregate ( 10 ) of a support structure ( 20 ) and a substantially fluid tight patch member ( 30 ) attached thereto at an attachment unit ( 40 ). The aggregate has a first, temporary delivery shape, for delivery to an interior of said body lumen and to be subsequently subjected to a change of shape to a second shape, which is a tubular shape. When delivered in said body lumen, the patch member is arranged radially outside of said tubular support structure and arranged towards an inner tissue wall of the body lumen. The aggregate is the detached from a delivery device and said puncture is intraluminally closed in a leakage tight manner, advantageously supported by a physiological pressure of a body fluid in said body lumen. The device may biodegrade over time.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains in general to the field of medical devices andmethods for closure of punctures in body lumina, such as a vessel, in apatient. More particularly, the invention relates to the field ofsealing apertures created by medical procedures that pierce the walls ofblood vessels in living tissue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During certain types of medical surgery or treatment, an introducer isused to access the vascular system of a patient. The introducer isinserted through the wall of a blood vessel in order to obtain access tothe vascular system and may thereafter be used for guiding medicalinstruments such as catheters, guide wires and the like.

After completion of the medical procedure, there will be an incision ora wound in the wall of the blood vessel corresponding to the size of theintroducer. The bleeding from the wound, which is a result of such asurgical operation, can be stopped by applying direct pressure on thewound. However, applying direct pressure on the wound will requireassistance of medical personnel and may also restrict the flow of bloodthrough the vessel. Ischemia may occur and can lead to seriousconsequences.

In cases of puncturing the femoral arteries, the required time may be aslong as about 45 minutes or more and in some cases re-bleeding occurs ifthe patient is not in rest. Bleeding from a vessel puncture in asubstantially sized blood vessel can be severe.

A variety of methods and devices have been suggested for replacing thetraditional method disclosed above, some of which involve introducingchemical compounds which act as homeostasis catalysts or as adheringagents, whilst others aim at introducing various forms of pluggingmembers into the puncture.

Sealing devices in form of sealing plugs in the cutaneous channel at thepuncture site outside the vessel are known, e.g. from US patentapplication 2009/0054926 or European patent EP 1349501. However, theblood pressure inside the vessel may press the plug out of positionbefore a reliable sealing has occurred.

Other sealing devices in form of double button type fasteners that areaffixed to each other, in the type of an outside member and insidemember in relation to the lumen and a crosspiece arranged across thepuncture opening, both inside and outside of the vessel wall are known,e.g. from U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,340, or U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,274. Theoutside member and inside member are brought in a locked configurationupon assembly and compress the vessel wall tissue around the punctureopening.

However, such button type sealing devices may not seal off the punctureoptimally.

For instance, such button type devices may restrict the lumen and bloodflow therein. The inside member of the device protruding into the bloodvessel often substantially restricts the patency of the lumen. This isin particular the case for small diameter lumen, such as at peripheralvessels. A protruding member may also lead to a turbulent flow, whichmight cause secondary effects, such as creation of thrombosis orembolies.

Furthermore, the devices may damage the vessel wall, in particular inthe case of peripheral vessels, such as the arteria subclavia, thearteria axillaris, which for instance are accessed in the region of theclavicle, or the arteria radialis for access in the arm, which all arebrittle vessels.

The aforementioned double sided tissue compression of the vessel wallcauses a pressure onto the wall tissue, which brings about a number ofissues.

For instance, the vessel wall may be damaged when the appliedcompression or pressure is too high. Necrotic tissue may be built up.The vessel wall may be structurally weakened. The vessel wall may getdamaged by the device. A rupture of the vessel wall may occur. As aconsequence, a dissection may occur, i.e. a bleeding out of the vesselwall into surrounding tissue of the vessel.

For instance arteriosclerotic vessel are conventionally difficult toseal off. Arteriosclerotic vessels are brittle, conventional sealingdevices have difficulties to find hold or damage the brittle vesselwall, the lumen diameter is already reduced and may be further reducedby members of the known sealing devices protruding into the lumen, etc.

When the applied compression or pressure is too low, i.e. the buttondevice is put in place too loose, pressure damages are avoided. However,a leakage may then occur.

Leakage of blood from the puncture site is not desired, and should beavoided.

In particular repeated puncture, e.g. necessary during intensivetreatment periods, of such anatomically sensitive vessels, may lead todamage of the vessel.

WO2006/034114 discloses thin film devices implantable within a humansubject for occlusion of an aneurysm or body vessel. The devices aremovable from an elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to adeployed configuration within the body. Such an occlusion deviceincludes a thin film mesh attached to a carrying frame. The carryingframe is moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expandedconfiguration. The thin film mesh can include a plurality of slits,slots and/or pores that typically vary in degree of openness as thecarrying frame moves between the collapsed and the expandedconfigurations. The occlusion device is transluminally positioned withinthe blood vessel so that the thin film mesh substantially reduces orcompletely blocks blood flow to a diseased portion of a blood vessel.However, a puncture itself is needed to deploy this device into thevessel as it is not suitable to be delivered itself through an openingto be closed,

US2009/0143815 discloses a device for sealing a puncture opening in awall of a blood vessel that includes a base frame including a firstbi-stable material having a first stable state corresponding to adelivery configuration of the base frame, in which the base frame isretracted to have a relatively smaller overall profile, and a secondstable state corresponding to a deployed configuration of the baseframe, in which the base frame is extended to have a relatively largeroverall profile. The base frame is sized to engage an interior surfaceof the blood vessel wall when in the deployed configuration. A sealingsection is coupled axially as a section to the base frame and includes asecond bi-stable material having a first stable state corresponding toan initial configuration of the sealing section, in which the sealingsection permits fluid flow, and a second stable state corresponding to abarrier configuration of the sealing section, in which the sealingsection prevents fluid flow. The sealing section in the barrierconfiguration is sized to block fluid flow through the puncture openingwhen the base frame is in the deployed configuration. However, thisdevice is difficult to deliver as deployment of the base frame is notcontrollable. Thus, the base frame may expand and engage the vessel wallbefore the sealing section is correctly positioned. Moreover, thisdevice may migrate along the vessel with too low self expansion pressureof the base frame. The device may also migrate into the vessel wall anddamage the latter at too high self expansion force of the base frame.Reliable sealing is thus difficult to achieve with this device.Moreover, a structure as disclosed in US2009/0143815 is traumatic inrelation to the vessel wall, in particular at the tissue surrounding thepuncture opening.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel andinventive device for closure and sealing of a puncture or incisionformed in a blood vessel or in other body organs. A further object ofthe invention is to provide a puncture closure method, in embodimentsutilizing the sealing device. The medical arts would benefit from adevice that allows for the sealing of blood vessel wall punctures thatare created at the termination of a tissue tract that passes throughintervening tissues between the vessel wall puncture and a puncturethrough the skin. It would be preferred if the device was self-securingand small in size so as to be introduced without the need to enlarge thetissue tract beyond the size needed to perform the primary medicalprocedure.

Hence, an improved medical device or methods for closure of a puncturein a body lumen would be advantageous, and in particular allowing forincreased flexibility, and/or patient-friendliness would beadvantageous. Advantageously the solution should be atraumatic inrelation to the vessel wall, in particular at the tissue surrounding thepuncture opening to provide a reliable sealing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention preferably seek tomitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more deficiencies, disadvantagesor issues in the art, such as the above-identified, singly or in anycombination by providing a device, a kit and a method according to theappended patent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a medical device isprovided. The medical device is adapted for closure of a puncture in abody lumen, such as a vessel, in a patient. The device comprises anaggregate of a) a support structure having a first shape, which is atemporary delivery shape, for delivery to an interior of the body lumenand to be subsequently subjected to a change of shape to a second shape,which is a tubular shape, when delivered in the body lumen, and b) asubstantially fluid tight patch member attached to the supportstructure, which patch member is at least partly arranged radiallyoutside of the tubular support structure and at least partly arrangedtowards an inner tissue wall of the body lumen at a site of the punctureof the body lumen when the support structure has the second, tubularshape, such that the puncture is sealed off by the aggregate.

More particularly, a medical device for closing a puncture in a bodylumen from the inside thereof, such as a vessel, in a patient, isprovided. The device comprises an elongate delivery unit having a distalend; and an aggregate of a support structure having a first shape, whichis a temporary delivery shape, for delivery to an interior of the bodylumen through the puncture and to be subsequently controllably subjectedto a change of shape to a second shape, which is a tubular shape, whendelivered in the body lumen, and a patch member attached to the supportstructure at an intermediate portion between two opposite ends thereof.The distal end of the elongate delivery unit is radially releasablyattached to the aggregate at an attachment position intermediate betweenends of the patch member and detachable therefrom upon deployment of theaggregate in the body lumen. The patch member is sized and shaped forarranging it towards an inner tissue wall of the body lumen at a site ofthe puncture of the body lumen and extending over a puncture opening.The delivery unit extends in a direction radially from the aggregatethrough the opening, such that the puncture is controllably sealed offby the patch when drawing the delivery device in a direction out of thepuncture and tightening the patch over the opening before the change ofshape of the support structure.

In embodiments the device comprises an elongate delivery unit and adetachment unit detachably, wherein the delivery unit is connected tothe aggregate by means of the detachment unit for delivery thereof tothe interior of the body lumen, and for detachment of the aggregate uponthe delivery to the interior of the body lumen; wherein the elongatedelivery unit preferably comprises a delivery catheter, and/or adelivery wire releasably attached to the aggregate.

According to another aspect of the invention, a medical procedure isprovided in form of a method. The method is a method of closure of apuncture in a body lumen, such as a vessel, in a patient, by a medicaldevice. The method comprises deploying an aggregate of a supportstructure and a patch member in the body lumen through a punctureopening in the body lumen at the puncture site, wherein the patch memberis a substantially fluid tight patch member attached to the supportstructure, and wherein the deploying comprises delivering the supportstructure in a temporary delivery shape to an interior of the bodylumen, subsequently subjecting the support structure to a change ofshape to a second shape, which is a tubular shape, in the body lumen,and thus arranging the patch member at least partly radially outside ofthe tubular support structure and at least partly towards an innertissue wall of the body lumen the site of the puncture of the body lumenwhen the support structure has the second, tubular shape, and thuspermanently sealing off the puncture from inside the body lumen by theaggregate.

According to another aspect, a method of closure of a puncture in a bodylumen, such as a vessel, in a patient, by a medical device, is provided.The method comprises providing a patch member arranged on an outside ofa tubular support structure and attached to the support structure at anintermediate portion between ends thereof; and an elongate delivery unithaving a distal end, wherein the distal end thereof is radiallyreleasably attached to the support structure or the patch member at anintermediate position between ends of the patch member and detachabletherefrom upon delivery; wherein the patch member is arranged radiallyoutside of the tubular support structure only at a partial radialsection and axial section thereof and arrangeable towards an innertissue wall of the body lumen at a site of the puncture of the bodylumen when the support structure has the second, tubular shape, suchthat the puncture is sealed off by the patch of the device hold by thesupport structure in the body lumen at the site.

According to another aspect, a method of closure of a puncture in a bodylumen, such as a vessel, in a patient, by a medical device, is provided.The method comprises providing a medical device for closing the puncturein the body lumen from the inside thereof, the method comprisingproviding an elongate delivery unit having a distal end; and anaggregate of a support structure having a first shape, which is atemporary delivery shape, for delivery to an interior of the body lumenthrough the puncture and to be subsequently controllably subjected to achange of shape to a second shape, which is a tubular shape, whendelivered in the body lumen, and a patch member attached to the supportstructure at an intermediate portion between two opposite ends thereof;wherein the distal end of the elongate delivery unit is radiallyreleasably attached to the aggregate at an attachment positionintermediate between ends of the patch member and detachable therefromupon deployment of the aggregate in the body lumen; arranging the patchmember arranging towards an inner tissue wall of the body lumen at asite of the puncture of the body lumen and extending over a punctureopening, and drawing the delivery device in a direction out of thepuncture and tightening the patch thereby controllably sealing off thepuncture by the patch; and initiating the change of shape of the supportstructure for anchoring the aggregate at the puncture site in thevessel; and releasing the delivery device from the aggregate.

In embodiments, the method comprises releasably attaching an elongatedelivery unit to the aggregate for delivery thereof to the interior ofthe body lumen, and detaching the aggregate upon the delivery to theinterior of the body lumen; wherein the elongate delivery unitpreferably comprises a delivery catheter, and/or a delivery wirereleasably attached to the aggregate.

Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependentclaims, wherein features for the second and subsequent aspects of theinvention are as for the first aspect mutatis mutandis.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for safe anchoring of apuncture closing or sealing device with minimal risk of migration in abody lumen. The device is anchored against the vessel wall from theinside thereof. The device does thus not migrate or get washed away fromthe puncture site. The anchoring may be enhanced, e.g. by anchoringunits or members, such as barbs, hooks, protrusions, or other means,such as tissue glue. Also, a protrusion into the puncture opening, e.g.an attachment or detachment device, arranged in the puncture openingremaining there after delivery, avoids a longitudinal migration or washaway. In addition, barbs extending through the patch, even at thepuncture opening i.e. without engaging tissue of the body lumensurrounding the puncture opening, provide for a reliable fixation of thepatch member to the support structure.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for self removing devices thatleave a vessel wall with no remaining device after a certain period oftime. This is for instance achieved by bioabsorbable or bioresorbablematerial. Such material may be applied both in the support structureand/or the patch member.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for a reduced risk ofnarrowing of the body lumen at the closed or radially sealed offpuncture opening. The devices of embodiments have a low profile inradial direction. Some embodiments of the invention thus provide foravoidance of a turbulent flow in the body lumen downstream the puncturesite. Thus secondary effects are avoided, such as creation of thrombosisor embolies.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for minimized or eliminatedshortcomings of known sealing devices, such a minimized or eliminatedrisk for damaging brittle lumen tissue, such as vessel tissue, e.g. ofthe arteria subclavia, or the arteria axillaris. The device and methodof embodiments may be applied to body lumen, which conventionally couldnot be sealed off with known devices.

Some embodiments of the invention avoid a manipulation of the vesselwall. For instance arteriosclerotic vessel walls are advantageouslysealed off at puncture sites.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for intraluminal devices,which apply a radially outwardly oriented force, thus minimizing therisk of arterial vessel wall manipulation.

Some embodiments of the invention avoid a squeezing of the vessel walltissue, thus providing for reduced risk of tissue damage of the vesselwall.

Some embodiments provide for devices that are not substantiallyextending into lumen. The devices are flat, i.e. have a substantiallylesser profile than the diameter of the body lumen in which they areanchored. The devices have a low profile in radial direction. Thisprovides for avoiding turbulent flow at the puncture site when it issealed off.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for a quick procedure forsealing a puncture site. The devices of embodiments are applied in ashort time. There is no need to wait for hardening of chemical sealingagents. Conventional techniques, including the Seldinger technique, maybe a basis for introducing embodiments of the device into the bodylumen.

Some embodiments of the invention provide for biocompatible devicesreducing potential irritation or other implications of the puncturesite.

Embodiments of the invention provide for an effective avoidance ofbleeding when the puncture site is sealed off by means of devicesaccording to embodiments.

Some embodiments of the invention also provide for devices that apply nodouble sided compression of a body lumen for sealing a puncture opening.

Embodiments of the invention provide for an effective atraumatic sealingof such puncture. This is for instance provided by a patch contactingtissue wall surrounding the puncture opening. The patch provides at thesame time for a reliable sealing of the puncture as it extends over theopening from inside the vessel.

Embodiments provide for a reliable controllability of the sealingprocess as the patch is arranged in the device to be positioned againstthe tissue wall surrounding the puncture opening and across the openingbefore it is anchored in the vessel by the support structure andreleased from a delivery device. The patch prevents that blood leavesthe vessel at the puncture site through he puncture opening and apercutaneous puncture channel. The puncture channel is a tissue tractcommunicating with the blood vessel.

Embodiments provide for the use of an introducer for the positioning anddeployment of the puncture sealing device. An introducer alreadypositioned in the patient for a surgical procedure is left in place fordelivery of the puncture sealing device. This is in particularadvantageous from a clinical perspective, providing for user acceptanceof the device, and cost efficiency as the introducer is useable evenduring closing of the puncture site.

Embodiments provide for a device that is self-securing and small insize, and to be introduced without the need to enlarge the tissue tract(herein also called puncture channel) beyond the size needed to performa primary medical procedure.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when usedin this specification is taken to specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps or components but does not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments ofthe invention are capable of will be apparent and elucidated from thefollowing description of embodiments of the present invention, referencebeing made to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a view from above showing a schematic illustration of anembodiment of an aggregate for sealing a puncture;

FIG. 2 is a frontal view showing a schematic illustration of theaggregate of FIG. 1 attached to a delivery wire;

FIG. 3A is a lateral view of the aggregate of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a lateral cross sectional view of the aggregate of FIG. 2 ina delivery catheter;

FIG. 4 is a view from above showing a schematic illustration of anotherembodiment of an aggregate for sealing a puncture in a first shape;

FIG. 5 is a lateral view showing a schematic illustration of theembodiment of FIG. 4 in a second shape;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the aggregate of FIG. 4 in its firstshape attached to a delivery device;

FIGS. 7A-7J are schematic views illustrating a method of sealing apuncture site by means of a sealing device of the type shown in FIGS. 1and 2;

FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic views illustrating a method of sealing apuncture site by means of a sealing device of the type shown in FIGS. 4and 5.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Theterminology used in the detailed description of the embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limitingof the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

The following description focuses on embodiments of the presentinvention applicable to a blood vessel and in particular to a peripheralblood vessel. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is notlimited to this application but may be applied to many other puncturedblood vessels or body lumen, including for example those of the urinarytract, or the gastrointestinal tract, including bile ducts or livervessels or ducts, or of kidney vessels or ducts, or the central nervoussystem, etc. However, embodiments do not include devices for treatmentof defects in intra cardiac structures, such as atrial appendices,atrial or ventricular septal defects, as these are not body luminawithin the meaning of this application.

Now turning to the FIGS. 1-3 an embodiment of the invention is describedin more detail. FIG. 1 is a view from above showing a schematicillustration of an embodiment of an aggregate 10 of a medical device forclosure of a puncture in a body lumen, such as a vessel, in a patient.FIG. 2 is a frontal view showing a schematic illustration of theaggregate 10 of FIG. 1 attached to a delivery wire. FIG. 3A is a lateralview of the aggregate 10 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a lateral cross sectionalview of the aggregate 10 of FIG. 2 in a delivery catheter 60.

The medical sealing device is adapted for delivery through the puncturesite itself, into to the interior of the body lumen, for deploymenttherein.

The medical device for closure or sealing of the puncture in the bodylumen comprises the aggregate 10, which comprises a support structure 20and a patch member 30.

The support structure 20 has a first shape, which is a temporarydelivery shape, for delivery to an interior of the body lumen. Here, thefirst shape is a radially compressed shape and the support structure 20is a collapsible tubular structure.

The tubular support structure 20 is expandable from the first shape,when subsequently subjected to a change of shape, to a second shape. Thesecond shape is a tubular shape. The aggregate is adapted to changeshape from the first shape to the second shape when delivered in thebody lumen. The aggregate is deployed in the body lumen, and engages thelumen wall of the body lumen for a secure anchoring or fixation therein,avoiding a migration in longitudinal direction of the device along thelumen.

The tubular shape of the support structure 20 may be a net-like shapeformed of closed loops, or a mesh shape of a braided, woven or knittedfabric. The support structure may be produced by suitably laser cuttinga solid tube to provide a strut structure. The support structure may beprovided in form of a stent like tubular member. The support structuremay be self expandable. Alternatively, or in addition, the supportstructure may be expandable by expanding units, such as an inflatableballoon. When self-expandable, expansion may be controllable asdescribed below. Expansion by expanding units renders the change ofshape controllable as such.

The anchoring may be enhanced, e.g. by anchoring members, such as barbs,hooks, protrusions, or other means, such as tissue glue comprised in theaggregate 10. Either, or both, the support structure 20 and the patchmember 30 may comprise such radially outwardly arranged anchoringmembers. The anchoring members engage with the wall tissue of the bodylumen, and may protrude into the surrounding tissue. Anchoring membersmay also protrude from the support structure through the patch member atthe puncture opening, thus keeping it reliably in place in addition tothe radially outwardly oriented anchoring force thereof.

In the embodiment, the support structure 20 is made of a resilientmaterial and is self expanding, and wherein the first shape is tubularof a smaller diameter than the second, tubular shape. A restriction unitmay be provided for restricting resiliency based expansion until thepatch is positioned over the puncture opening.

Alternatively, or in addition, the support structure 20 may be made ofshape memory material, such as a shape memory polymer, or a shape memoryalloy, such as NiTinol. A restriction unit may be provided forrestricting shape memory based expansion until the patch is positionedover the puncture opening.

The patch member 30 is substantially fluid tight. This may beimplemented by providing the patch member 30 of a suitable fabric.Alternatively, the patch member 30 may be provided in form of a solidmembrane material.

The patch member is made of a tissue friendly material. The patch memberis not necessarily 100% fluid tight, depending on the application. Forinstance, blood coagulation may occur upon deployment in the patchmember providing for a sufficient sealing to stop a bleeding out of thepuncture.

The patch member is semi rigid. The patch member is thus adapted to getinto apposition with the tissue wall of the body lumen and conform tothe structure thereof. This provides for easy deployment and a reliablesealing, e.g. upon retracting the delivery wire.

The patch member may even be stretched or partly drawn into the puncturechannel, like a thick paper tissue.

The patch member is atraumatically held into position over the punctureopening by an elongate delivery device attached to the sealing devicewithin the surface covered by the patch member. Thus the puncture memberis fixatable over the puncture opening by drawing the delivery device ina direction out of the patient.

The support structure may then be fully deployed to a tubular shape inthe body lumen, Such release of the support structure to the tubularshape may be initiated by active user operated and controlled means,e.g. a tether, electrically, etc Alternatively, the release of thesupport structure to the tubular shape may be initiated automatically,e.g. after a certain time in contact with body fluids. The time issuitably chosen such that reliable positioning of the patch member isprovideable for sealing the puncture before the change of shape isinitiated. Alternatively, or in addition, the change of shape may beprovided partly upon release in the body vessel, and then finalized tothe fully tubular shape upon user operation or automatically after asuitable time.

Upon final deployment of the support structure, the device is releasedfrom the delivery device and left in-situ.

The patch member 30 is attached to the support structure 20. Attachmentis made on at least one defined point of the support structure 20, asillustrated at attachment point 40 for a delivery device in the Figures.

The patch member 30 is arranged radially outside of the tubular supportstructure along a portion of the tubular structure, when the supportstructure has its second shape. The patch member is adapted to fit overthe puncture opening 110, thus being supported by the support structureproviding a fluid tight sealing of a puncture site 100. The patch memberis thus at least partly arranged towards an inner tissue wall of thebody lumen at a site of the puncture of the body lumen when the supportstructure has the second, tubular shape, such that the puncture issealed off by the aggregate 10.

The patch member itself is non-tubular and has a longitudinal extensionshorter than a length of the support structure in the expanded diameter.Further, the patch member has an extension shorter than a circumferenceof the support structure in the expanded diameter at the puncture site.The patch member is thus arrangeable radially outside of the tubularsupport structure only at a partial radial section and axial sectionthereof. This has the advantage that migration along the body vessel isprevented, as anchoring is provided by the support structure outside ofthe patch member when in contact with wall tissue, even in an axialportion along its length at the puncture opening.

In embodiments, the patch is not a so called “thin film” (only severalmicrons thick). A thin film would not be suitable for attachment of adelivery unit due to lacking structural strength.

The patch member has in some implementations for instance a thickness of0.1 mm to 1 mm, depending on the application site of the device. Thepatch thickness should not substantially reduce the channel crosssection of the body lumen when the device is implanted therein.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the patch member may be attached tothe support structure at a single location only. Preferably, this is acentral location where also the attachment unit 40 is located.

The periphery of the patch member is thus not attached to the supportmember. In this manner, an expansion of the support structure is nothindered by the attached patch member.

The conformable patch member thus conforms to the inner of the tissuewall of the body vessel. Upon the change of shape it is anchored in thatposition from the inside of the vessel by the support structure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the elongate delivery unit is a delivery wire 50releasably attached to the device 10, at a position between two oppositeends of the device, at a distal end of the delivery wire. 50. Thedelivery wire 50 is attached to the device 10 at an area covered by thepatch member 30. Preferably, the delivery wire is attached to the devicecentrally at the patch member. This provides for a symmetricalarrangement. Alternatively, asymmetrical attachment arrangements may beprovided, e.g. depending on requirements of the puncture site to besealed off.

The delivery wire is sufficiently rigid to push the sealing devicesthrough a catheter and/or an introducer to the body vessel through thepuncture channel.

As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery wire 50 is going through the patchmember 30 and is releasably attached to the support structure.Alternatively, or in addition, the delivery wire may be attached to thepatch member, which then in turn is attached to the support member.

The delivery device is retractable through the channel of the punctureout of the patient. This retraction is done after detachment when theaggregate of patch and support structure is deployed and seals thepuncture from inside the body lumen.

The elongate delivery unit may further comprise a separate deliverycatheter insertable through an introducer positioned in the puncture.The catheter is not attached to the aggregate, but merely facilitatesdelivery thereof.

In embodiments, the device's support structure 20 has a diameter in thesecond, tubular shape that is, at least slightly, larger than a diameterof the body lumen at the puncture site. In this manner the supportstructure 20 is devised to anchor the aggregate 10 in an interior of abody lumen 210 at the puncture site 100. The patch member 30 is arrangedto extend over the puncture opening 110 in the body lumen 210 at thepuncture site 100 for the closure of the puncture. Also, in this manner,the expanded shape of the aggregate 10, because it has a diameter largerthan that of the lumen, will somewhat expand the wall of the body lumen210 radially outwards. In this manner, the aggregate is radiallyoutwardly oriented in relation to the natural diameter of the inner bodylumen—it is “recessed”, pushing the lumen wall outside. This improvesanchoring on the one hand, but also provides a large opening of the bodylumen at the puncture site upon sealing with the aggregate 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device further comprises an elongate deliveryunit and an attachment unit 40 for temporary attaching the delivery unitto the aggregate 10. The delivery unit may comprise a delivery wire 50and a delivery catheter sheath 60, as described above with reference toFIG. 1. The delivery unit is elongate. At its distal end, the deliveryunit is connected to the aggregate 10 by means of the attachment unit40, which might comprise a detachment unit for controlled release. Whenassembled, the aggregate is ready for delivery to the interior of thebody lumen. Detachment of the aggregate upon the delivery to theinterior of the body lumen may be made in various ways, such as byreleasing a threaded attachment, activating a detachment means, such asa thermally, electrically, chemically initiated detachment, etc.

In another example, the proximal portion of the delivery wire 50 may becut off. This is preferably made as close to the distal attachmentposition as possible.

In another examples, the delivery device may include a gripper orforceps like tool at the end of the delivery device. The attachment unitmay then be shaped matingly to allow for a reliable engagement with thetool. The attachment unit may be spherically shaped, allowing for thepivoted movement during delivery. When the tool is locked, e.g. by asleeve put over the forceps or gripper, a flexible deployment isprovided with a reliable delivery without the risk of unintentionallyloosing the device into the body lumen. Detachment may be controlledfrom the outside of the patient, e.g. by withdrawing the locking sleeveand then opening the gripper or forceps.

In some embodiments, the delivery wire 50 is connected to the aggregate10 at the attachment unit 40 by releasably threaded attachment. Thedetachment unit is a threaded unit such that the aggregate is detachablefrom the delivery unit by unscrewing the delivery wire 50 from theaggregate 10. This may leave a protruding attachment unit 40 in thepuncture opening, as will be seen below, which advantageouslycontributes to the anchoring of the aggregate 10 at the puncture site100 for a reliable sealing. As shown in the figures, the thread isarranged in a radial direction outward from the support structure. Theradial direction is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof the sealing device. As e.g. shown in FIG. 7H, the detachment unit mayextend radially from the support structure for being received in thepuncture opening, and also in the puncture channel.

In embodiments, the support structure 20 and/or the patch member 30 aremade of a biodegradable and/or bioresorbable material.

The support structure 20 is for instance made of a polymer material, orstainless steel, a titanium alloy or a magnesium alloy. The supportstructure 20 may be provided in form of a wire structure.

The patch member 30 is for instance made of a biopolymer, or a metalalloy like the aforementioned. The patch member 30 is provided as afabric. In other examples, the patch member 30 may be providedadditionally or alternatively as a solid membrane. The patch member issemi rigid. The patch member is thus adapted to get into apposition withthe tissue wall of the body lumen and to conform to the structurethereof.

The material has a suitable degradation rate under physiologicalconditions in order to make the aggregate become degraded or absorbedwhen the puncture has healed completely.

Suitable biocompatible polymer materials are e.g. described in publishedUS patent application US 2008/0095823, or PCT applicationPCT/EP2006/062400, which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety for all purposes. Biocompatible polymer materials comprisepolymer compositions with controlled degradation rates, such aspolyhydroxyalkanoate.

In some embodiments, the support structure 20 and/or the patch member 30comprise a pharmaceutical agent.

The pharmaceutical agent is for instance adapted to prohibit athickening of a wall of the body lumen, such as any one in the group ofcyclosporine, taxiferol, rapamycin and tacrolimus. Thus, a reduction ofthe lumen diameter is further prevented and a flow through the lumenmaintained, even during a healing phase of the puncture.

The pharmaceutical agent may comprise an anti-coagulation agent, such asHeparin or an anti-thrombotic agent. Thus, the passage of the lumen iseffectively kept open, and thrombosis at or downstream the puncture siteis prevented.

The patch member 30 may comprise a fibrosis promoting agent. Thisprovides for an accelerated healing process for finalizing the final,biological sealing of the puncture quicker. The patch member 30 maycomprise a scar reducing agent. In this manner, scars at the puncturesite 100 are effectively reduced, which is of interest for cosmetictreatment. A fibrosis promoting agent or scar reducing agent ispreferably arranged at the patch member 30 such that it is orientedtowards the vessel wall, more preferably towards the puncture opening.This may be implemented by having the agent as a coating or a surfacelayer on a side of the patch member 30 oriented in this manner when theaggregate 10 is deployed.

The pharmaceutical agent may include any one in the group of anendothelia growth promoting agent, such as Endothelium Growth Factor.This provides for an improved growth of a thin layer of endothelia overthe aggregate in the inner of the body lumen. This layer of endotheliafurther supports sealing of the puncture opening. Once a layer ofendothelia has built up, biodegradation of the aggregate may beinitiated, e.g. controlled by a delayed biodegradation after deployment.

The pharmaceutical agent may comprise an anti-pathogenic agent, or ananti-infectious agent, such as Nitric Oxide. This provides for a morereliable healing of the puncture.

Any of the aforementioned agents may be present in an arbitrary suitablecombination at the aggregate 10.

The sealing device of embodiments comprises at least one element toactivate or de-activate the change of shape, such as a connectionelement of the support structure that is arranged such that a connectionformed by the connection element between a first and second part of thesupport element. The connection element is configured to break when theconnection element is subjected to a specific external influence, suchas stress, temperature, moisture, biodegration, or absorption. Suchconnection elements are in detail describe in PCT/EP2006/062403, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.Thus, the change of shape and engagement with the tissue structure iscontrollable.

The sealing device of certain embodiments has a support structure 20that is bistable between a first state of minimum energy and a secondstate of minimum energy, whereby the change of shape, in use, isobtained as a movement between the first state of minimum energy and thesecond state of minimum energy. Bistable devices, however for differentapplication than sealing devices, are for instance disclosed in USpatent application US 2002/0142119 or US patent application US2004/0193247, which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety for all purposes.

The body lumen is in specific embodiments a peripheral blood vessel, andthe puncture is a percutaneous puncture of the blood vessel. Moreparticularly, the blood vessel is an arterial, high blood pressure,blood vessel to be sealed off at a puncture site, preferably after afinished surgical procedure involving the use of intra body accessthrough the puncture, e.g. via an introducer unit. The device is thus inspecific embodiments an intravascular closure device. More particularly,the puncture is a blood vessel wall puncture at the termination of atissue tract that passes through intervening tissues between the vesselwall puncture and a puncture through the skin.

As for instance can be seen in FIG. 7H, the attachment unit 40 ordetachment unit is arranged at the aggregate 10 such that the tubularsupport structure 20 is arranged symmetrically in longitudinal directionin the body lumen 210 in relation to the puncture site.

A kit comprises the afore described sealing device and an introducersheath 90.

FIGS. 7A-7J are schematic views illustrating a method of sealing apuncture site by means of a sealing device of the type shown in FIGS. 1and 2.

In the method an aggregate 10 of a support structure 20 and a patchmember 30 are deployed in the body lumen 210 through a puncture opening110 in the body lumen 210 at the puncture site 100.

An introducer 90 having a port 94 at an exterior cap at a proximal end92 is shown inserted in a puncture in FIG. 7A. The distal end of theintroducer is in communication with the proximal end 92, and insertedthrough the skin surface 151, the surrounding tissue 45, and the bodylumen wall tissue 200.

To gain access to the body lumen, the Seldinger technique is employed.This involves placing a small gauge hollow needle through the skin atabout a 30 degree angle to intersect the desired lumen. The needle isknown to have punctured a blood vessel wall when blood exits the needleat the proximal end. A guidewire is inserted through the needle into thevessel and the needle is removed. A dilator with a lumen sized to fitthe guidewire has a leading tapered end and an outside diameter sized tofit closely in an introducer sheath 90 placed over it. The introducersheath size 90 is selected to accommodate the catheters anticipated tobe used in the procedure. The introducer sheath 90 and tapered dilatorare advanced together over the guidewire through the skin and into thevessel. The dilator and guidewire are then removed, since the vascularpathway from outside the body through the sheath and into the vesselhave been established. A self sealing stretchable valve may be providedat the proximal end 92 of the introducer sheath 90, which minimizesblood loss from the introducer sheath during the procedure.

When a procedure performed via this port in the patient's body isfinished, the puncture has to be sealed.

According to embodiments of the sealing method, the support structure 20is delivered in a temporary delivery shape to the interior of the bodylumen 210 through the introducer 90, as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

In FIG. 7C, the aggregate 10 is advanced through the introducer 90,together with the catheter 60 and the delivery wire 50. 18. Theaggregate 10 is attached to the delivery unit by screwing the deliverywire 50 to connect it to the aggregate 10 by releasably threadedattachment. Later on, the aggregate 10 is detached from the deliveryunit by unscrewing the delivery wire 50 from the aggregate 10, asdescribed further below.

Then, the delivery catheter 60 is partly withdrawn, releasing theaggregate into the body lumen, while still attached to the delivery wire50 at the attachment unit 40, as illustrated in FIG. 7D. Further, theintroducer and the delivery catheter are further withdrawn, such asillustrated in FIG. 7E. The delivery wire 50 is withdrawn, such that theattachment point 40 is drawn to the puncture site 110. The aggregate 10is thus suitably rotated and pivoted in relation to the delivery wire40, as illustrated in FIGS. 7E and 7F. The patch member is automaticallyaligned centrally in relation to the puncture opening 110. The correctpivotal movement may be ensured by a rotation of the guide wire 50.

The elongate delivery unit is thus radially releasably attached to theaggregate. Attachment may be made via a hinge, swivel or pivoting meansat the attachment point to the aggregate.

In this manner, the tightness of the body fluid leaking out of thepuncture is controlled by the patch drawn against the opening.

At the same time, the support structure 20 is controllably subjected toa change of shape to a second shape, which is a tubular shape, in thebody lumen. This change of shape may for instance be provided byresiliently expanding the support structure 20 when it is released out aprotective sheath, restricting the support structure 20 from expandingduring delivery. Alternatively, or in addition, the support structure 20may change its shape based on a shape memory effect, e.g. initiated bythe body temperature of the fluid in the body lumen 210. The change ofshape is illustrated in FIGS. 7D-7H.

The change of shape may be activated or de-activated by means of atleast one connection element of the support structure that is arrangedsuch that a connection formed by the connection element between a firstand second part of the support element is configured to break when theconnection element is subjected to a specific external influence, suchas stress, temperature, moisture, biodegradation, or absorption.

The change of shape may be obtained by transforming the supportstructure from a bistable first state of minimum energy in the firstshape to a second state of minimum energy in the second shape, by amovement between the first state of minimum energy and the second stateof minimum energy.

The illustrated method comprises expanding the support structure to adiameter in the second, tubular shape that is larger than a diameter ofthe body lumen at the puncture site. Further, the support structure isanchored in the interior of the body lumen at the puncture site, wherebythe patch member is arranged to extend over the puncture opening in thebody lumen at the puncture site for the closure of the puncture. Theanchoring may be enhanced, e.g. by anchoring members, such as barbs,hooks, protrusions, or other means, such as tissue glue.

The method may comprise self expanding the support structure 20 in thebody lumen 210 upon delivery therein. Preferably this is done when thepatch is suitably positioned and sealing tightness is achieved.

Thus, the support structure upon the change of shape is holding theaggregate in the body lumen at the puncture site extending over thepatch member radially between the tissue wall and the support structurein the second, tubular shape. The patch member is overlappinglycontacting the inner tissue wall of the body lumen and is extending overthe puncture opening.

The patch member may be made to partly extend into the puncture channelat the puncture opening. This may provide for a particular quick andreliable sealing of the puncture.

Hence, the puncture opening is initially closed with the patch memberbefore the support member changes shape to the tubular shape.

The method comprises retracting the delivery device upon detaching fromthe device through a channel of the puncture out of the patient.

Hence, the support structure upon the change of shape is holding theaggregate in the body lumen at the puncture site extending over thepatch member radially between the tissue wall and the support structurein the second, tubular shape.

The patch member is overlappingly contacting the inner tissue wall ofthe body lumen and is extending over the puncture opening.

The method may comprise drawing the patch member partly into the tissuetract from the puncture opening.

In certain medical procedures, the puncture channel may additionally beclosed by injecting or inserting a clotting induction agent such ascollagen that encourages clotting in the puncture channel.

The method may comprise initially closing the puncture opening with thepatch member before the support member changes shape to the tubularshape.

The method may comprise retracting the delivery device upon detachingfrom the device through a channel of the puncture out of the patient.

The patch member is thus arranged radially outside of the tubularsupport structure, towards an inner of tissue wall 200 of the body lumen210 at the puncture site 100 of the body lumen when the supportstructure has the second, tubular shape, and thus the aggregate 10 ispermanently sealing off the puncture from inside the body lumen by theaggregate.

The sealing effect of the aggregate 10 is supporting or enhanced by aphysiological pressure of a body fluid in the body lumen onto the patchmember, pressing it against the tissue wall 200 of the body lumen 210.

Thus, an intra-luminal leakage tight sealing of the puncture isobtained.

The method may comprise delivering a pharmaceutical agent, as thosedescribed above, from the aggregate 10 at the puncture site to the bodylumen 210.

The elongate delivery unit releasably attached to the aggregate 10 fordelivery thereof to the interior of the body lumen 210 is then detachedfrom the aggregate, leaving the aggregate securely in place, asillustrated in FIG. 7H.

The puncture channel through the vessel wall 200 and the surroundingtissue, as well as the outer skin will heal, as illustrated in FIG. 7H.

The method may further comprise biodegrading the aggregate 10 whendeployed in the body lumen at a degradation rate under physiologicalconditions. When the aggregate 10 is made of a biodegradable orbioresorbable material, the puncture site will be reliably sealed,without any remainders of the aggregate 10 at the previous puncturesite, as shown in FIG. 7J. The aggregate 10 may be provided to start tobiodegrade when endothelium has covered the aggregate installed in thebody lumen.

The method and device facilitate re-puncturing the body-lumen 210 at thepuncture site 100 by re-enforcing the lumen wall 210 of the body lumen210 and supporting a patency of body lumen.

Both the support structure 20 and the patch member 30 are penetratableby a needle tip when a new puncture of the body lumen 210 is desiredafter sealing of the puncture site 100.

When the aggregate 10 is absorbed or degraded, the previous puncturesite is also available for a new puncture.

In embodiments, the body lumen is an arterial blood vessel. Inparticular, the body lumen is a peripheral blood vessel, and thepuncture is a percutaneous puncture of the body vessel, wherein thedevice is an intravascular closure or sealing device for a vascularpuncture.

The peripheral blood vessel is in particular an arteria subclavia, or anarteria axillaris of the patient. The puncture site is in particular ina region of a clavicle of the patient.

In embodiments, the body lumen is the patient's aorta, including theascendant or descendent aorta, or branch vessel of the aorta.

A further embodiment of the device and method of the invention isillustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and 8A-8D. FIG. 4 is a view from above showinga schematic illustration of another embodiment of an aggregate 10 forsealing a puncture, in a first shape. The first shape is in thisembodiment an elongate shape, which is substantially straight.

The support structure is made of a resilient material and/or a shapememory material, such as a shape memory polymer or a shape memory metalor alloy thereof. The second, tubular shape is a helically coiled shapeof the support structure 20. FIG. 5 is a lateral view showing aschematic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in the second shape.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the aggregate 10 of FIG. 4 in itsfirst shape attached to a delivery wire 50 in its first shape. Like theabove described embodiments, the aggregate 10 may be restricted in thisfirst shape by a catheter sheath.

The patch member 30 is an elongate strip of fluid tight material. Thepatch member is attached to the support structure 30 along a portion ofits length. The length of the patch member is at the most equal to theentire length of the support structure 30.

The patch member 30 may be put like a sock over the elongate supportstructure 20.

The patch member extends like a collar from the support structure.

The patch member may have a plurality of patch sub units (not shown)arranged along the length of the elongate support member. The patchunits, e.g. of fabric, are arranged at a distance from each other suchthat they are arranged in the same radial direction at the attachmentpoint of the delivery device distal end at the tubular support structurein the second, tubular coiled shape.

When the support structure is in its second shape, the patch member isarranged overlapping itself to provide a fluid tight structure. Thepatch member may overlap on the inside or the outside of the tubularstructure. In this manner, a fluid tight structure of overlapping strips31 at each turn or winding of the helical coil making up the tubularstructure, is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The minimum length of patch member is such that it extends along so manywindings that longitudinally extend over the puncture opening and a bitfurther, in order to provide a reliable sealing thereof.

The width of the patch member 30 is determined by the pitch of thehelical coil, and is larger than the distance between two windings ofthe latter. Thus the distance between the windings is bridged, and bythe overlapping sections of adjacent windings, a continuous fluid tightstructure is provided along the tubular support structure.

The width may also vary along the length of the patch member 30. Forinstance the end section may narrow down. The middle section may have alarger width to provide a larger overlap. The longitudinal widthvariation may be chosen suitably depending on various parameters, suchas the anatomical structure of the body lumen at the puncture site, thepressure of a body fluid at the puncture site, etc.

FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic views illustrating a method of sealing apuncture site by means of a sealing device of the type shown in FIGS. 4to 6.

Introduction of the delivery assembly of FIG. 6 into the body lumen atthe puncture site is made similar as described above with reference toFIGS. 7A-7E and is not repeated to avoid redundancy.

The method comprises transforming the support structure 20 of FIG. 4-6from the first elongate delivery shape, to the second, tubular shape,which is a helically coiled shape of the support structure, wherein thetransforming is based on an elasticity or shape memory effect of thesupport structure 20.

FIG. 8A shows the aggregate 10 attached to the delivery wire whendeployed at the puncture site 100 and during transformation from thefirst to the second shape. The delivery wire 50 is withdrawn, thusarranging the attachment unit 40 in the puncture opening and centeringthe device longitudinally in relation to the opening. This isillustrated in FIG. 8B, where the strips 31 are shown in full overlapand the guide wire detached from the aggregate 10.

When the coiled tubular member has section that are not covered byoverlapping strips 31 at its en section or end sections, this providesan enhanced anchoring of the aggregate in the tissue wall 200 of thebody lumen as the support member may at least partly migrate into thetissue wall.

In FIGS. 8C and 8D, like in FIGS. 7I and 7J, the puncture site is shownhealed and the device resorbed, respectively.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been describedand illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunctions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present inventionas defined by the patent claims.

For instance the attachment unit 40 may be integrated in the patchmember 30, e.g. in form of a loop, ring, etc. The attachment unit may benon-protruding. The attachment unit may be part of the delivery unit andremoved therewith upon closure of the puncture.

Alternatively to the expansion of the aggregate as described above andillustrated in the Figs., the aggregate may be first drawn towards thepuncture opening 110, such that the patch member 30 abuts around theopening. The expansion of the support member may then be controllablyinitiated. For instance the tubular expansion may be suitably triggered,e.g. by breaking connection points by a suitable external influence.

Different method steps than those described above, even merely in adifferent order. The different features and steps of the invention maybe combined in other combinations than those described. The scope of theinvention is only limited by the appended patent claims.

1-72. (canceled)
 73. A medical device for closing a puncture opening ina body lumen from an interior thereof, said device comprising: anelongate delivery unit comprising a delivery wire having a distal end;and an aggregate comprising: a support structure having a first shape,which is a temporary delivery shape, configured for delivery to theinterior of said body lumen through said puncture opening andsubsequently to be controllably subjected to a change of shape to asecond, tubular shape when delivered in said body lumen, and a patchmember attached to said support structure at an intermediate portionbetween two opposite ends thereof; wherein said distal end of saiddelivery wire is radially releasably attached to said aggregate at anarea covered by said patch member via a hinge, swivel, or pivoting meansat an attachment point intermediate between ends of said patch memberand detachable therefrom upon deployment of said aggregate in said bodylumen such that, when said delivery wire is withdrawn, the aggregate ispivoted in relation to the delivery wire to rotationally align saidpatch member centrally in said puncture opening, wherein said patchmember is sized and shaped to be positioned against an inner tissue wallof said body lumen at a site of said puncture opening and extending oversaid puncture opening, and wherein said delivery unit extends in adirection radially from said aggregate through said opening, such thatsaid puncture opening is controllably sealed by said patch when drawingsaid delivery device in a direction out of said puncture opening andtightening said patch over said puncture opening before said supportstructure changes shape from the first, temporary shape to the second,tubular shape.
 74. The device of claim 73, wherein said patch member isat least partly arranged to be extendable in a plane radially outside ofthe curvature of said tubular support structure.
 75. The device of claim73, wherein said support structure, upon changing shape, holds saidaggregate in said body lumen at said puncture site and extends over saidpatch member radially between said tissue wall and said supportstructure in said second, tubular shape.
 76. The device according toclaim 73, wherein said patch member is arranged on a portion of anoutside surface of the tubular support.
 77. The device according toclaim 73, wherein said patch member extends partly into said punctureopening at said puncture opening.
 78. The device according to claim 73,wherein said patch member is a fabric patch member.
 79. The deviceaccording to claim 73, wherein said aggregate comprises a detachmentunit configured for detachment of said medical device from said deliverywire.
 80. The device of claim 79, wherein said detachment unit is athreaded unit such that the aggregate is detachable from said deliveryunit by unscrewing said delivery wire from said detachment unit.
 81. Thedevice of claim 80, wherein said threaded unit is arranged in a radialdirection outward from said support structure.
 82. The device of claim81, wherein said detachment unit is configured to be positioned in saidpuncture opening.
 83. The device of claim 73, wherein said delivery wirepasses through said patch member and is releasably attached to thesupport structure.
 84. The device of claim 73, wherein said elongatedelivery unit further comprises a delivery catheter insertable throughan introducer positioned in said puncture opening.
 85. The device ofclaim 73, wherein said aggregate comprises a support structure made of apolymer material or a magnesium alloy that degrades under physiologicalconditions and/or a patch member made of a biopolymer that degradesunder physiological conditions.
 86. The device of claim 73, wherein saidaggregate comprises a pharmaceutical agent selected from the groupconsisting of an endothelia growth promoting agent, an anti-coagulationagent, a fibrosis promoting agent, a scar reducing agent, ananti-thrombotic agent, an anti-pathogenic agent, an anti-infectiousagent, a nitric oxide eluting agent, an agent to prohibit a thickeningof a wal of the body lumen, and any combination thereof.
 87. The deviceaccording to claim 73, wherein said tubular shape of said supportstructure is a net-like shape formed of closed loops, or a mesh shape ofa braided, woven or knitted fabric.
 88. The device according to claim73, wherein said support structure comprises at least one anchoringunit.
 89. The device of claim 73, wherein said support structure has adiameter in said second, tubular shape that is larger than a diameter ofsaid body lumen at said puncture site, such that said support structureis devised to anchor said aggregate in said interior of said body lumenat said puncture site, whereby said patch member is arranged to extendover a puncture opening in said body lumen at said puncture site forsaid closure of said puncture.
 90. The device of claim 73, wherein saidsupport structure has a first elongate shape and said patch membercomprises a plurality of patch units arranged along its length andarranged in a same radial direction at an attachment point of saiddelivery unit distal end at said tubular support structure in saidsecond shape.
 91. The device of claim 73, and further comprising atleast one controllable element configured for activating orde-activating said change of shape.
 92. The device of claim 91, whereinsaid controllable element is a connection element of said supportstructure that is arranged such that a connection formed by saidconnection element between a first and second part of said supportelement is configured to break when said connection element is subjectedto a stress, a temperature, moisture, biodegration, or absorption. 93.The device of claim 73, wherein said body lumen is a peripheral bloodvessel, and said puncture is a percutaneous puncture of said bodyvessel, and wherein said device is an intravascular closure device. 94.The device of claim 73, wherein said support structure comprisesanchoring elements configured for extending into a tissue, as well asthrough said patch member.